PUD helps with home weatherization projects

Summer months are ideal times to tackle home improvement projects that can save you money on your energy bills and the Snohomish County Public Utilities District can help.

PUD makes it easier by offering low-interest loans and financial incentives to help cover the cost of your project.

To qualify, customers must own an electrically heated home in the PUD service area. Single-family homes, mobile homes and multi-unit buildings (with four or less units) are all eligible.

The measures available in PUD’s conservation program include:

• Insulation for attics, floors and walls

• Duct sealing and insulation

• Window & sliding glass doors

• Programmable thermostats

• Heat pumps – ductless, air source and geothermal

Why weatherize?

An electric heating system can account for 50 percent or more of your PUD winter bills. Making smart investment decisions about weatherizing your home can make a big difference.

You’ll be more comfortable since your home will stay warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. You’ll use less energy and save money on your PUD bills.

One of the other benefits is that you can select from a list of PUD-registered, licensed, bonded and insured contractors who have been pre-screened. As an added measure of assurance, the PUD conducts pre-inspections and final inspections at no charge.

Customers can learn more about weatherization programs by calling the PUD Energy Hotline at 425- 783-1700 or visiting www. snopud.com (see Conservation/ Weatherization & Heating).

How the PUD helps Customers can apply for either a low 2.9 interest rate weatherization loan or get a one-time financial incentive that covers 50 percent or more of the job cost. Loans carry no administrative fee and no appraisal. The loan term is up to 10 years with no prepayment penalty. The minimum loan is $1,000, and the minimum monthly payment is $50. Loans are subject to approval of credit.

To get started, customers first need to complete a PUD energy conservation application and get pre-approval from the utility.

Installations need to be completed by a PUD registered installer or by the homeowner.

Do-it-yourself installations are allowed.

All projects need to meet PUD specifications and local codes.

The PUD conducts inspections during installation or upon project completion.

Incentives are paid once the work is complete.

Eldon Samp is Energy Efficiency Program Consultant for PUD.